Review of Susan Johnson's 'From Where I Fell'
From Where I Fell by Susan Johnson is one of those stories inspired by an actual event in the author’s life: an email that was meant to reach a certain person but ended up in another’s mailbox because the intended recipient’s address had changed (unknown to the sender). Yet out of this mistake a friendship is forged. Susan has used her own email occurrence in a wonderful believable way to create two unforgettable characters: Pamela Robinson in Sydney, Australia and Chrisanthi Woods in New York, USA to tell a fictional story of two very different women who come together this way and end up sharing their many ‘life’ happenings.
On first thought, one might say using emails to tell a story is unconventional and even boring and possibly turn readers off. But it doesn’t for the conversations are lively and filled with relationship experiences that help us feel and understand the two worlds in which each character inhabits. Conversations, descriptions, actions, thoughts are all there. It is easy to forget about chapters that don’t exist because they are not needed.
When I read a great novel, certain brilliant lines/phrases stand out and I often write down the page numbers for quotes to use in a review. But this book has so many dazzling gems and statements of truth that hit you like a bullet in the heart (including biblical, literary and historical references), that I would end up writing a book to draw attention to them all! This says a lot about the author. Susan is an accomplished sensitive writer who has lived life as many of us encountering pain and loss but has turned these scars into a beautiful patchwork of fiction that most, if not all women, can relate to on so many levels.
Friendship is the engine at the core of this ship as it bounces across the waves. As mentioned, an unlikely friendship/bond develops with two very different souls on board who have come together once being transported across continents by email. A café, where most friends would gather to chat, is not their meeting place but rather the ghostly realm of cyberspace.
This book got me thinking again about the differences between meeting someone face to face and writing to them. Emails or letters are less confrontational. Often people let down their guard and say things they would not in person. Meetings across tables often present barriers. Safeguards are put in place because no one likes being judged once seen. Whereas, through electronic messages, we are just a voice crying or speaking in the wilderness. An interesting 'side effect' of having an email pen pal-- is the potential for a closer friendship since deeper interests/secrets can be shared without external physical concerns. Such as worrying if your hair is nice enough or clothes are perfect. If there’s spinach in your teeth or a mole on your face that might draw attention away from the important heart stuff. You can just sit down and write to your friend in your housecoat or pjs. Be yourself… or someone else. Of course, this type of communication has its foibles. There is the chance of a misinterpretation when voice tones and facial expressions are missing (as we see happen throughout the novel).
Ultimately this beautiful, though sometimes tragic story is about the exploration and reaction to grief, loneliness, divorce and motherhood. And a need for connection. This novel begins with one person in crisis and the other as rescuer. But I believe in the end they become a blended pair with seams matching up.
From Where I Fell has a real flesh and blood core and sings of what it means to be alive on this planet and displays the universal effects of sorrow, joy and faith. I highly recommend it to all who want an original character-driven story with bag loads of heart. 5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
